A review by rav_3084
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon

4.0

This was required reading for my Year 8 English class and I honestly found myself enjoying this book. Zana Fraillon has done an excellent job in doing what she aimed to - spread awareness about the refugees. She certainly managed to evoke the emotions that Subhi was feeling in me and I was able to empathise with Subhi, rather simply feel sorry for him. I also love the character development that Subhi goes through. From being a hopeful, innocent child, he begins to realise the gravity of the situations around him and grows up.

There was also excellent foreshadowing and Queeny being the one to give Subhi and her Ba's treasures to Subhi was a lovely twist to bring in the end, as it showed the bond between two siblings - something which a lot of entertainment is starting to overlook.

Jimmie's character is rather well done too, for she helps Subhi in a way that the other refugees couldn't. I also must admit that I absolutely adore the bond that Jimmie and Subhi share.

The novel is also extremely well-paced, neither going too fast nor too slow, as there isn't too much going on in most chapters but not too little either, for each chapter holds a meaning. I would argue that every single sentence means something important and is something that provides the reader with a greater understanding of the characters and events.

The one thing that novel failed to do, for me, was give me a satisfying ending. Though, I do love a good cliffhanger - only if I know that there will be a sequel. Though 'The Bone Sparrow' does not end on a cliffhanger, I feel that so much more could be explored. So many questions are left unanswered at the end, and I can not help but feel the need to know more about what happens to Subhi, Jimmie and the other refugees afterwards.

Despite this ending not completely pleasing me, it did leave a huge impact and certainly ended on a strong note. I would definitely recommend this book.